A year after making it to the ALCS, the Boston Red Sox slid down to last in the standings in 2022. It was a rough season for the Sox, a team that dealt with issues in the pen, a rocky first season from Trevor Story, and inconsistent production from several of Boston’s starters. So, what took place this offseason for the Red Sox after a difficult 2022 season? Well, a lot actually.
Related: 2022-23 MLB Offseason Recap: Chicago Cubs
Notable Additions
- LHP Richard Bleier
- OF Adam Duvall
- RHP Kenley Jansen
- RHP Corey Kluber
- RHP Chris Martin
- SS Adalberto Mondesi
- LHP Joely Rodriguez
- 3B Justin Turner
The Red Sox’s bullpen has been a soft spot in recent years, but it received a makeover for 2023. Left-handers Richard Bleier and Joely Rodriguez both will join the Sox pen for next season, as will righties Chris Martin and Kenley Jansen. Jansen did miss parts of 2022 due to a heart issue, but was effective yet again when on the mound. With the Braves, Jansen struck out 84 over 65 innings and led the NL in both saves (41) and games finished (54). Innings eater Corey Kluber, meanwhile, is set to join Chris Sale and a young Red Sox rotation for 2023.
Boston’s lineup is also set to feature some new faces. Sweet-swinging infielder Justin Turner and slugger Adam Duvall are headed to Beantown, as is former Royals infielder Adalberto Mondesi. Mondesi appears poised to take over at short in 2023, replacing a franchise icon.
Notable Subtractions
- RHP Matt Barnes
- SS Xander Bogaerts
- RHP Nathan Eovaldi
- LHP Darwinzon Hernandez
- LHP Rich Hill
- 1B Eric Hosmer
- DH J.D. Martinez
- OF Tommy Pham
- RHP Connor Seabold
- LHP Matt Strahm
- LHP Josh Taylor
- RHP Michael Wacha
Out of every team in Major League Baseball, it’s fair to say that the Red Sox endured the most losses this offseason. Let’s start off with the rotation, as three starters from last season — Rich Hill, Michael Wacha, and Nathan Eovaldi — all headed out via free agency. Boston caught lightning in a bottle with Wacha last season, but Eovaldi will be missed the most. The right-hander possesses an impressive combination of command and power stuff, but will bring his arsenal to the Rangers next season.
The Red Sox lineup also took a hit with the losses of J.D Martinez and Xander Bogaerts. While Martinez didn’t have an incredible season in 2022, the right-handed slugger still finished in the tip 35 in total extra base hits last season. The Sox also lost Xander Bogaerts, who holds the 21st-highest bWAR (34.9) in franchise history. The 30-year-old provided plenty of pop and big hits during his time in Boston, but will now look to do the same with the Padres.
One player, though, that won’t be leaving Boston anytime soon is Rafael Devers. The star infielder signed a 10-year, $313 million extension to stick with Boston through the 2033 season.
A Recap
While Boston did manage to fill holes left behind by the free agent exodus that the Sox deal with this past offseason, it’s hard to see this group competing in 2023. For one, Boston is set to trot out a lineup that does have questions to answer. Can Triston Casas be the answer at first? How will the Sox lineup perform with Trevor Story? Can Mondesi and Duvall make up for the lost production of Bogaerts and Martinez? A lot needs to go right for this lineup to provide the offense needed to complete this upcoming season.
As far as the Red Sox pitching staff is concerned, the front office did improve the bullpen. But, a lot of pressure will be on the Sox’s young pitchers to deliver, particularly the likes of Brayan Bello and Garrett Whitlock.
In a loaded AL East, this season won’t be easy for Boston.
